Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Moshi Town or Arusha. Attend a pre-trek briefing, gear check, and final preparations before an overnight stay in a hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Londorosi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 720m
Terrain: Rainforest
Drive to Londorosi Gate for registration, then continue to the trailhead. The hike begins through dense rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and diverse wildlife. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 680m
Terrain: Moorland
As you leave the rainforest, the landscape changes to heath and moorland. The trail offers amazing views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on a high-altitude plateau.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m
Terrain: Moorland
A short but important acclimatization hike across Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in Africa. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Spend the night at Shira 2 Camp, where you may start feeling the effects of altitude.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 730m
Elevation Loss: 670m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
Today is crucial for acclimatization. Hike to Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you'll have lunch at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, improving your summit success rate. Enjoy views of the Barranco Wall, which you'll climb the next day.
Day 6: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 75m
Terrain: Rocky and Alpine Desert
Start with a fun scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb offering incredible views. The trail then descends slightly into the Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp.
Day 7: Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 645m
Terrain: Alpine Desert
The landscape turns into a barren alpine desert as you approach Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. Arrive early, eat, hydrate, and rest, as your summit attempt begins at midnight.
Day 8: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 5 km (ascent) + 12 km (descent)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent) + 4–6 hours (descent)
Elevation Gain: 1,215m
Elevation Loss: 2,795m
Terrain: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
Summit night begins at midnight. Pass Stella Point at 5,756m and continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at the summit while watching the sunrise over Africa. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Terrain: Rainforest
A final descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. Drive back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and a night at a hotel.
Day 10: Departure or Optional Activities
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or extend your adventure with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or a beach getaway in Zanzibar.
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
This route is less crowded, offers the best acclimatization profile for higher success rates, and provides stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and glaciers. It is also excellent for wildlife spotting, with the rainforest full of monkeys and birds.